MARCH 22, 2026 NEWSLETTER | | |
With the school on spring break and the rhythm of parish life a little quieter before Holy Week, the slower pace of this week at St. Martin’s reminded me of a time when I followed the wisdom of a monk.
You see, a wise Episcopal monk once invited me to consider what the world looks like through the eyes of a cat. I gave this unusual spiritual practice a try. Here’s what happened.
I saw Leo, my Siamese mix, perched by the window one afternoon. I decided to join him. Sitting on the floor crisscross with my chin resting on the sill, I found myself eye to eye with Leo. Leo was my guide; I looked where he looked.
We saw cars driving by, neighbors coming and going, a child learning to ride a scooter, and Leo’s favorite… birds flying through the air. The world outside the window was vibrant and filled with unique stories. How had I not noticed this before?
After what felt like half an hour, I checked the clock. Only ten minutes had gone by. In this short amount of time, I discovered the gift of being fully immersed in the present moment. Perhaps this is the lesson the monk (and Leo) wanted to teach me. And perhaps it’s one this quieter week is offering us, too.
| | | | Join us for Worship this
Sunday at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. | | |
“The Theology and Practice of Peacebuilding”
This Sunday, March 15 & 22, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Led by parishioner Dr. John Keiss, who holds a PhD in ethics and theology and is a professor at Loyola University, this study will move from theory to practice. We will explore real-world examples of churches engaged in peacebuilding, including the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative in Northern Uganda. This class invites us to move beyond longing for peace and toward understanding—and practicing—what it means to be people of peace in a complex world.
Special Postlude Duo
This Sunday, 10:00 a.m.
Stay after the service this Sunday for a special postlude featuring the voices of new members Ruben and Erika. Click here for a preview.
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Wednesday Night in Lent
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Gather with us for a simple community meal of soup and bread, and explore a short teaching for Lent followed by hands-on options for all ages. We’ll consider simple, sustainable practices like daily prayer, putting scripture before screens, sharing intentional meals, Sabbath rest, meaningful conversation, physical stewardship, and fasting. Participants will have space to reflect, experiment, and begin shaping a personal (or family) Rule of Life for this season. This series is designed for all ages. Join us at the table. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are able to help in preparing or funding our community meal, sign up today by clicking here.
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Easter Flower Dedications
Deadline: Monday, March 23
We are accepting sign-ups now for those who wish to dedicate flowers to give glory to God and bring focus to the cross during our Easter service. Please use the forms in Sunday’s bulletin or complete our online form. Deadline is March 23.
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Voices Wanted for Easter
We are seeking more voices for both our Children’s and Adult choirs, especially for the Easter Sunday morning service. If you have hesitated to join the choir because of the regular commitment, this is a perfect opportunity. You may simply join us for one rehearsal, either 3/19 or 3/26 for the Adult Choir and 3/29 for the Children’s Choir, and sing with us for the Easter service. If you are interested, have any questions, or need a little encouragement, contact contact HyeSung.
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Transportation to Our Easter Vigil Service
Would you like to attend our beautiful candlelit Easter Vigil service but are uncomfortable driving at night? We can help. St. Martin’s volunteers are offering to drive parishioners to and from the 8:00 p.m. Great Vigil of Easter service. To request a ride please contact Lori Skalitzki.
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Palm Sunday Donut Delivery Help Needed!
Sunday, March 29
The donut ministry is looking for someone to pick up donuts on Palm Sunday. It’s easy! The donuts and coffee are preordered and just need to be picked up and delivered to the church. Please arrive at the Donut Shack, 497 Ritchie Hwy Ste 2E, Severna Park, by 8:15 a.m. and then deliver to the table in the Narthex. If you’re interested in helping out, please text Derek Heiss at 443-995-4942. Thank you!
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Holy Week and Easter Services
- Palm Sunday, March 29:
8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
- Maundy Thursday, April 2:
7:00 p.m.
- Good Friday, April 3:
12:00 noon Interactive Stations of the Cross
7:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy with Choir
- The Great Vigil of Easter, April 4: 8:00 p.m.
- Easter Sunday, April 5:
10:00 a.m. Service
11:00 a.m. Egg Hunt
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Overnight Prayer Vigil
You are invited for prayer and meditation in response to Jesus’ plea to his disciples, “Can you not pray with me one hour?” Sign up today for one of these hour-long opportunities to stay awake with Jesus from Maundy Thursday, April 2 to Good Friday, April 3. For safety we need at least two adults signed up per hour. Click here to sign up.
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Registration Open for VBS 2026!
Get ready for an unforgettable week of fun as St. Martin’s-in-the-Field hosts Cokesbury’s “Snowball Mountain Challenge” VBS the week of July 27-31! Registration is now open. Click here and sign up today! Our VBS is powered by the gifts of volunteers. We’d love to have you join the team. Contact Tabitha Carman.
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St. Martin’s Christmas Mart Returns
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Mark your calendars: the Christmas Mart is back in town! This is more than just a craft fair. It’s a festive tradition, a celebration of local talent, and a joyful gathering that brings our whole community together. How do we make it happen? With YOU! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Christmas Mart Committee. Lots of prep needs to be done to make the Mart successful and fun for everyone. And we’d love for you to be part of it! Interested? Talk to: Amy Theune, 410-353-7664; Kate Cleven, 410-703-7130.
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Matching Donations
An anonymous couple is matching all NEW pledges received in March. We are so excited to see so many new faces in this community of faith, and we want to spark a joy of giving for all! The couple will also match any new increases to pledges. Rev. Lauren is reaching out to new folks with an invitation to pledge. If you would like to increase your pledge, contact Rev. Lauren, or Jory Bender, Director of Finance. Click here to give online. Our Realm payment option now has Google Pay and Apple Pay to make it super easy.
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Claggett Youth Summer Camps
Adventure, friendship, and faith come together at Claggett over the summer. Camps for a variety of ages, including a generational camp. Find dates and details on Claggett's website.
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New Payment Options
Our online giving now allows for Google Pay and Apple Pay options. It's now even easier to give!
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SPAN Opportunities for This Month
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situation. Please donate: pantry staples, baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women as well as toiletries. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN visit: www.spanhelps.org/support_us.
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Children & Youth Formation
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
Children and youth are welcome to join any time.
- Sunday School (K-Grade 5): SMES Art and Science Rooms
- Rite-13 (Grade 6-8): Lower St. Martin’s House
- J2A (Grade 9-10): Lower St. Martin’s House
Youth grades 11 and up meet alternating Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. For details, contact Rev. Grace.
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Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service children from 3 years old to 2nd grade are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word. See Sunday’s bulletin for details.
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Faith and Fellowship
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Adult Formation is a time of both faith and fellowship at St. Martin’s. Our engaging and conversational classes are taught clergy and parishioners alike. Come build community and grow closer to God with us! Click here for our schedule of events. Contact Rev. Lauren.
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From Prophet to King Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Are you watching House of David on Amazon Prime and want to know more? Join us as we explore Samuel 1 and 2 which take us from the birth of the prophet Samuel through the reign of King David. Join us starting Tuesday, November 11. We will be using the book “1 & 2 Samuel” which can be ordered here on Amazon. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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Nursery Care
Available for infants and children ages 4 and under on Sundays from 8:45 - 11:30 a.m. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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Walkin’ Loves
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. (Kinder Farm Park)
Lace up your shoes and join our Walkin’ Loves group for fresh air and fellowship. Meet at Kinder Park, off of Kinder Rd, near the small playground. The loop is 2.4 miles, mostly level, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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C.S. Lewis Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
All parishioners are invited for the EfM version of theological studies on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. Join us Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. No prior study is required. For details and Zoom link please contact Charlie Fitzgerald.
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Midday Bible Study
Thursdays, 12:00 noon (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for this weekly Bible study and connect with God’s word. Meetings are held in the conference room of St. Martin's house. Bring a Bible. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join us for a Zoom group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. For Zoom link and details, contact Susan Griesmyer.
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Announcing the New Head of School
Join us as we herald the good news from the Head of School Search Committee, that a new leader has answered the call to join St. Martin's Episcopal School. Welcome Dr. Tracy Bonday, an experienced educational leader who will begin her term in July. Read full article here.
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SMES Gala & Auction: Come Sail Away! - Saturday, April 18
Please join us at the gala! Tickets are now on sale for the biggest social and fundraising event of the year. This is the one school event you do not want to miss! Gather your friends and family and put a table together, or purchase individual tickets for a night of excitement, friendship, and fun, benefiting the students and teachers of St. Martin’s Episcopal School! Enjoy an evening full of adventure. Purchase your tickets today!
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Good Friday Stations of the Cross
April 3, 12:00 noon
Join fellow Christians in an ecumenical service alongside the Severn River. This is an outdoor, family-friendly service held rain or shine. Gathering at 11:30 a.m. with music.
| | Your Prayers are Invited... | Prayer is the universal way people of faith stay connected, both with one another and with God. You are invited to pray daily for our parish family, for your own needs, and in thanksgiving for all that God has blessed you with this day. | |
PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Alex, John, Rosemary, Alec, Mary, Eileen, Susan, Cris, Barbara, George, Jim, Kiera, Mike, Marie, Emma, Brett, Katie, Lew, Karen, Suzanne, Greg, Bruce, David, Joey, Michele, Kerry, Carter, Amalia, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Mike, the Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Bryan, Anna, Henry, Emily, Charles, Jeff, Kyle, Rowland, Lucy Rae, Jonathan, Jeff, Kyle, Samuel, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY: Andy and Marcia Taylor.
| Let us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers. | | |
ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
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